CORRECTION:This story originally misreported the size of the new building and the goal for pounds of food for this year's drive.

LONGMONT -- Community Food Share is preparing to launch its 25th annual Hunger Hurts the Whole Community Food Drive on Wednesday, which could be the last drive hosted from their Niwot location.

In August, the food bank bought a new facility in Louisville that is triple the size of its Niwot headquarters.

Anna Lopez pulls her cart while shopping during Feeding Families on Friday at Community Food Share in Niwot. The 25th annual Hunger Hurts the Whole Community Food Drive runs March 20 through 31.
(
Matthew Jonas
)

After paying off the building loan early this year, saving more than $420,000 in interest thanks to a private donation and a successful fundraising drive, CEO Jim Baldwin said design plans are underway and he expects renovations to begin this summer.

Baldwin said the nonprofit is working with architects to finalize the design of the 68,000-square-foot facility and is accepting construction bids.

"We've basically outgrown this facility," Baldwin said. "There has been a growing need for food in our communities and we don't ever want to have to turn down food, so we need a bigger space."

In 2012, Community Food Share provided 7.5 million meals to families in Boulder and Broomfield counties. Baldwin said Longmont holds the organization's largest recipient group and though the headquarters is moving farther away, he's hoping the transition will make it easier to reach the area.

Although delivery to Longmont may increase by a few miles, costing the food bank more time and gas, Baldwin said the Louisville location is closer to several suppliers, which will help balance out the costs.

Staff also said the larger facility will allow the organization to expand its in-house services like the Feeding Families program that allows families who qualify for school lunch programs to collect food in a grocery-style shopping experience.

The food bank's annual food drive begins Wednesday and donations will be accepted through March 31.

The goal for this year's drive is 70,000 pounds of food and $7,000 in donations.

Donation bins will be available in grocery stores in Longmont, Gunbarrel, Louisville and Lafayette.

The nonprofit is seeking volunteers to act as greeters at the area bins.

Staff said the new facility will allow them to store more donations from future events such as the food drive.

Jesus Hernandez shops during the Feeding Families program Friday at Community Food Share in Niwot. The 25th annual Hunger Hurts the Whole Community Food Drive runs March 20 through 31.
(
Matthew Jonas
)

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